Unequal Cellophane Bee vs California Harvester Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Unequal Cellophane Bee California Harvester Ant
Scientific Name Colletes inaequalis Pogonomyrmex californicus
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Colletidae Formicidae
Size 10-13 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Unequal Cellophane Bee

An early spring bee that forms large nesting aggregations in sandy soil. It lines its cells with a waterproof secretion resembling cellophane.

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Did You Know?

Nesting aggregations can alarm homeowners as thousands of bees emerge from lawns, but they are docile and rarely sting.

California Harvester Ant

A small harvester ant found in hot deserts of the American Southwest. Colonies are often founded by groups of cooperating queens.

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Did You Know?

Multiple unrelated queens can found a single colony together, then fight to the death until only one remains.